Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about dental terms or procedure names? Check the list below or call our office for a personal consultation.

Abscessed tooth

An abscess is a painful condition caused by infection in a badly damaged or decayed tooth.

Oral Cancer

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancers, so Dr. Gaik is the first line of defense. Ask him about oral cancer screening at your next regular visit.

Bad Breath (halitosis)

Halitosis, or “bad breath” is a common, but embarrassing condition that often has a dental cause.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. While gingivitis, the earlier stage, affects only the gums, periodontitis is infection that has spread to surrounding tissue, including tooth and bone.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the process of a tooth’s mineral content being dissolved. A cavity, or caries, is the actual hole in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth. When we eat, plaque reacts with the food in our mouth and releases acids that eat away at teeth enamel, causing tooth decay.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is caused by an inadequate supply of saliva. This is usually due to medication side effects, but may have other causes.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth Sensitivity is a very common problem that can be treated effectively by Dr. Gaik with different products and techniques. It occurs when gums have receded or tooth enamel is worn down to reveal the sensitive parts of the tooth.

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by plaque. It is the earliest and most easily treated form of gum disease, as it only affects the gums, but it must be treated to avoid more serious gum disease.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is either the clenching or grinding of teeth, or both of them together. Dr. Gaik will often recommend a mouth appliance to prevent damage to your teeth, and stress reduction to change the behavior.

Impacted/Wisdom Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that fails to properly emerge through the gums. Dr. Gaik will recommend extraction of impacted wisdom teeth if they pose a problem for your mouth and other teeth.

Toothaches

There are many possible causes for a toothache. Two of the most common dental causes are the presence of a cavity or an abscess. Some of the other causes of toothache are quite serious, so you should certainly consult Dr. Gaik for a proper diagnosis.

Jaw Disorders

Most problems with the jaw come from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that help you chew. Dr. Gaik has treatments that can ease this pain and discomfort.

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